Elysian Brewing Company Superfuzz Blood Orange Pale Ale

What the brewers say

“A mind-bending whirl of the aromas and flavors of blood orange and Northwest hops.”

What our panel thought

Aroma: “Intense candied orange aroma, with a touch of lemon. The crystal malt sweetness gives it a Juicy Fruit gum sweetness. Raw wort foundation, which smells more like a brew kettle than a finished beer. Citrus hops, notes of pine, and floral perfume.”

Flavor: “The orange character is pronounced up front but quickly fades behind a pithy bitterness and a touch of malt sweetness and becomes a fruity citrus with the swallow. Simple and estery with hints of cherry and banana and just a touch of caramel malt sweetness. Woody, earthy, and herbal hops lend a note of bitterness that’s not overwhelming. Light on carbonation and body, and a delicate flavor profile overall.”

Overall: “An interesting use of blood orange that works great in the aroma but clashes slightly with the base beer and hops in the flavor. It’s fruity and bitter, and the body needs more to it to support the bitterness.”